Canine Dental Care

Any size dog, any breed and any age dog can be affected; even your dog may be affected. Periodontal disease starts with mild inflammation of the gums and can progress to tooth loss, dental abscesses and body wide infections. Don't expect your dog to show signs of pain. He or she may just not want to eat a hard biscuit, have bad breath, a bit of oral bleeding or simply seems off.

What can you do to prevent dental disease in your dog and when should you start? Feeding dry, crunchy food, and offering specially formulated treats can help to minimize the tartar buildup but daily brushing is best. Starting a dental program when your dog is a puppy, even as early as 6 weeks of age is not too young. If your dog is older than that, then start today. Don't expect your dog to think that having his or her teeth brushed is a great idea. It will take time, patience, lots of praise, some yummy treats, veterinary approved dental care products, and a good sense of humor never hurt.

Start by examining your dog's mouth. Gently lift the lips and look at the teeth and gums. The gums should be pink, and form a tight seal with the teeth. The teeth should be white and smooth. Next, take a sniff. 95% of bad breath is due to plaque, tartar and poor dental health.

Next, find a quiet place where you won't be disturbed and a time when you won't be rushed. Rub your fingers over your dog's mouth and teeth. Work with the mouth for short periods of time. End each session with lots of verbal praise and a treat or two.

After your dog is resigned to the fact that you are going to play with his mouth and it really isn't all that bad, apply a small amount of pet dentifrice to your finger and rub your coated finger over its teeth. Pet toothpaste is ok to swallow because it has less fluoride than our toothpaste, it doesn't foam, has pet friendly flavors and many have enzymes that kill the plaque producing bacteria.

Next comes the toothbrush. Again, lots of patience and time are needed. Let him or her play with this new toy. Brush all of the teeth especially the ones in the back of the mouth. If the brush is not acceptable to your dog, you can use a finger cot, or even a wash rag wrapped around your finger.

There is no need to brush the inside aspect of the teeth. The tongue will keep this area clean.

Even with excellent at home dental care, your dog will still periodically need professional dental care from your veterinarian.